Vice President holds delegation level talks with the President (Speaker) of the National Assembly of Senegal

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today emphasised the need for mutual respect among political opponents in democracy and termed debates, discussions and dialogues as the essence of the legislative process.

Shri Naidu, who is on a three nation tour to Gabon, Senegal and Qatar, made these remarks during the delegation level talks with the President (Speaker) of the National Assembly of Senegal, Mr. Moustapha Niasse in the capital city of Dakar today.

Vice President during Tete-a-Tete with H.E. Mr. Moustapha Niasse, President of the National Assembly on June 3, 2022

Vice President during the delegation level talks with the President (Speaker) of the National Assembly of Senegal, Mr. Moustapha Niasse in Dakar on June 3, 2022

Vice President gifting a copy of Indian constitution to the President (Speaker) of the National Assembly of Senegal, Mr. Moustapha Niasse in Dakar on June 3, 2022

The Vice President being felicitated by the President of the National Assembly of Senegal, Mr. Moustapha Niasse

Vice President signing the visitor book

Vice President in an group photograph after delegation level talks with the President of the National Assembly of Senegal, Mr. Moustapha Niasse

During the talks, he emphasised the need for all nations to work towards building peace. Terming peace as prerequisite for progress, Shri Naidu underscored that India advocates peaceful resolution to all issues in the world.

He said that India, the largest democracy in the world, and Senegal, one of the most stable and model democracies in Africa, are natural development partners and share a natural affinity with each other. He appreciated Senegal for conducting presidential, parliamentary and local elections very peacefully since its Independence, in a free, fair and transparent manner. “Just like India, democracy has been the bulwark of Senegal to guarantee political stability, economic growth, social cohesion and prominence in the international community,” he added.

Underlining the warm and friendly relations between the two countries, the Vice President reiterated India’s commitment to the socio-economic development of Senegal.

Expressing the need to have regular exchange of Parliamentarians to strengthen the cooperation and to share experiences, Shri Naidu invited the Speaker of National Assembly to visit India.

Vice President interacts with Indian community in Senegal-

Earlier on June 2, the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu had met with the members of Indian community in Dakar during a reception organized in his honour.

Vice President during a reception hosted by the Indian community in Dakar, Senegal on June 2, 2022

Addressing the gathering, he said that there is a thriving Indian community in every African country, many of whom have been living there for generations. He said that through their achievements & contribution to Senegal’s development, the Indian diaspora has created immense goodwill for the country. “Indian diaspora has, indeed, been true cultural ambassadors of India. Their success around the world is a great source of pride for us”, he said.

During his visit to Senegal, the Vice President led delegation has signed several agreements with Senegal, a Visa Waiver Agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, a Cultural Exchange Programme, and an MoU on cooperation in Youth matters.

Noting that there are several Indian-owned businesses in Senegal, Shri Naidu said that they can take the lead in creating new business and investment collaborations between Senegal and India and support mutual growth and development. “Much of what our two countries have achieved today, would not have been possible without the contribution of the vibrant Indian community in Senegal”, he said.

The Vice President also appreciated the Indian community which has kept the Indian culture and heritage alive and nurtured it in their own unique style. He expressed happiness that many Indian festivals are celebrated as a community and have always lent a helping hand to the locals in times of need through various CSR and philanthropic activities.

Shri Naidu recalled that the outreach to Indian diaspora has grown manifold in recent years under the maxim of 4Cs – Care, Connect, Celebrate and Contribute. “The safety, security, welfare and well-being of Indian citizens in all parts of the world is a priority for India”, he stressed.

Earlier in the day on June 2, the Vice President visited the Monument of African Renaissance in Dakar. It is a monumental structure of 52 meters in bronze and copper which symbolises and promotes the ‘dignity of the African continent’. Shri Naidu paid floral tributes to the bust of Mahatma Gandhiji located at the base of the African Renaissance Monument.

The Vice President visiting the Monument of African Renaissance in Dakar on June 2, 2022

Later, Shri Naidu visited the ‘Museum of Black Civilisation’, accompanied by the Minister of Culture, Senegal, H.E Mr. Abdoulaye. The Museum is a repository of African art, culture and history and aims to highlight Africa’s cultural and scientific contributions to the world. Writing in the visitors book, Shri Naidu acclaimed the Museum for being “unique in its celebration of Negritude in all its multifaceted forms encompassing the political, cultural, artistic and economic.”

The Vice President visiting the ‘Museum of Black Civilisation’ in Dakar on June 2, 2022

The Vice President also visited the Dakar Biennale 2022 in Dakar, Senegal, an international art exhibition that showcases contemporary African art and creativity.

The Vice President visiting the Dakar Biennale 2022

During this visit, the Vice President is being accompanied by Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Sushil Kumar Modi, Member of Parliament, Shri Vijay Pal Singh Tomar, Member of Parliament, Shri P. Raveendranath, Member of Parliament and senior officials from the Vice President’s Secretariat and the Ministry of External Affairs.

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MS/RK/DP

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